Letter to the Editor - Feb. 28

February 28, 2013

Conservatives exist in an ‘information bubble’

To the editor:

I was fascinated by Ned Garrett’s conclusion (Feb. 22) that Barack Obama’s re-election was the result of “voter apathy.” Garrett professes the tea party line that Obama’s win cedes more control to the federal government, and he rationalizes the re-election to voters seeking handouts.

He seems to overlook alternative explanations for Obama’s re-election and alternative views concerning economics and human rights. What is so interesting is how well this fits with the recognition that conservatives live in a different reality from the majority.

Many conservatives exist in an “information bubble,” which they have created and which prevents them from seriously examining information outside that bubble. This “groupthink” blinds them to alternative facts and concepts. It demands blind conformity, ostracism, shunning and excommunication of anyone who disagrees.

Look how conservatives attacked their one-time hero, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, when he tried to help his state after Hurricane Sandy by asking Obama for assistance in obtaining federal aid, touring the damage together. The Republican Congress then delayed that aid, apparently in retribution.

Look how conservatives insist that their congressmen sign the “pledge of allegiance” to Grover Norquist on no new taxes even though basic arithmetic identifies this as a fantasy solution.

Look at how shocked conservative were when Obama won re-election. Pundits such as Dick Morris, George Will and Michael Barone all had Romney winning by a landslide, even though the polls showed differently. Apparently, polling “facts” were outside the bubble so, to them, were inconceivable.

Finally, Garrett toes the party line by saying how Obama is using the “fiscal cliff” to justify raising taxes on “everyone.” The reality is Obama did not create the fiscal cliff; Congress did. In fact, Obama proposed raising taxes on those earning more than $500,000, not on everyone.